You’ve said your wedding vows, had the perfect wedding send off and now it’s time to celebrate with a honeymoon! It’s tempting to blindly choose one of the top honeymoon destinations, but deciding where to go for your honeymoon all depends on you and your partner’s priorities. Do you want a vacation that’s secluded and romantic or fast-paced and adventurous? Or maybe you’re just looking for affordable honeymoon destinations?
While it’s traditional to whisk off on your honeymoon immediately following the ceremony, modern couples are increasingly opting to separate the honeymoon from the wedding. Doing so will give you plenty of time to fully enjoy each exciting event and work through the to-dos on your post-wedding checklist like sending thank you cards before you go. You’ll be much more relaxed and often it can save you money by traveling to your preferred location outside of the peak travel months. Check out our top picks for each month to find the destination that’s right for you.
JANUARY | FEBRUARY | MARCH | APRIL | MAY | JUNE | JULY | AUGUST | SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER | NOVEMBER | DECEMBER
New York
If you’re willing to brave winter temperatures, New York City is an ideal honeymoon destination in January. It’s a time of calm in the Big Apple following the tourist rush from the holidays, so you’ll find it easier to live like a local and soak up all the cultural experiences. From a horse-drawn carriage ride through snowy Central Park to dressy dinners at 5-star restaurants, there’s no shortage of romantic activities perfect for your honeymoon. New York City is also filled with picture-perfect spots so you can create a travel photo book to preserve the special memories you make.
New Zealand
Travel Down Under for a breathtaking honeymoon to dreamy New Zealand. The country has everything to offer, from hiking mountains near Queenstown to sunning yourself on the West Auckland beaches. As a bonus, did you know there’s a wine region? Because New Zealand is in the Southern Hemisphere, traveling in February is a great option if you want to escape frigid winter temperatures in the Northern Hemisphere. Their summer runs from December to February, making it a popular travel time for tourists for a good reason.
Iceland
Iceland is having its moment in the travel spotlight — it seems like everyone is discovering the natural beauty of the Nordic nation. Boasting natural wonders like hot springs and geysers, the island is full of tourist attractions. Whether you want to relax in the Blue Lagoon, catch the awe-inspiring views of the Northern-lights or visit the capitol in Reykjavik, Iceland has it all.
Yucatán Peninsula
Mexico is a classic honeymoon destination that attracts tourists and honeymooners all year long, but April is a great time to visit because it falls directly in between college spring break in March and hurricane season from June to November. The Yucatán Peninsula consists of several Mexican states and is filled with adventure and relaxation including warm Gulf of Mexico water, cenotes and Mayan ruins. Take advantage of the close proximity to one of the world’s seven wonders, Chichen Itza and take a sightseeing trip in between days of lounging at the beach.
Hawaii
Hawaii’s busy season is in December and January when everyone is trying to escape the winter blues. You’ll get a more secluded, romantic experience if you go during the less busy months following the snowbirds and spring breakers. Take in the lush island scenery on a snorkeling catamaran trip or go for a hike up the Stairway to Heaven. Sample the local delicacies including exotic fruits and raw fish poke. Choose between any of the eight main islands — you really can’t go wrong!
U.S. Virgin Islands
If you’re after a summery tropical honeymoon, the U.S. Virgin Islands are a great option. Fill your itinerary with time to relax on spectacular beaches and water adventures like snorkeling and sailing. April to June is the best time to visit because you’ll find mild weather and little rainfall. Plus, hotel rates also drop at this time because it’s outside of peak travel season during the winter.
Peru
Lovers of the great outdoors should consider visiting Peru for a honeymoon that hits the perfect balance between adventure and sightseeing and romance and relaxation. July is right in the middle of Peru’s dry season so it’s a great time to venture out to see the Amazon Jungle or Incan ruins like Machu Picchu. If you’re looking for a mountain honeymoon, Peru is a unique option that offers stunning vistas and plenty of treks. Relaxing poolside is always an option for some luxurious downtime when you need it.
Maldives
Fill a canvas tote to the brim with sunscreen and towels because the Maldives are a haven for beach-going couples. Although it can be a long flight, the experience is definitely worth it! Think overwater bungalows, snow-white sand and crystal clear water. The Maldives is a small nation of islands in the Indian Ocean just Southwest of Sri Lanka — there’s really not a bad time to visit!
Greece
Greece is a destination worthy of visiting year-round due to the mild Mediterranean climate, but if you want a more low-key honeymoon, the fall is a great time to visit. You’ll get cheaper rates and find that everything is a little less crowded with tourists. Start your trip in Athens for some historical sightseeing, then make your way to the islands like Santorini and Mykonos for iconic views overlooking the Aegean Sea. It’s sure to be the trip of a lifetime!
Seychelles
Seychelles is often overlooked as a honeymoon destination, but it’s worth considering if you’re looking for a mix of beach and mountain adventures. It’s an archipelago of islands in the Indian Ocean off the eastern coast of Africa, and is home to many beautiful beaches, nature reserves and unique animals. Consider visiting in October to avoid the crowds and hot, humid trade winds that dominate between November and March. No matter when you visit, expect warm temperatures averaging in the 80s.
Napa
Catch the tail-end of harvest season in Napa when you visit in November. Beware that prices can be on the higher side, so be sure to book this trip far in advance. Between the stunning fall colors and abundance of wine, you’ll be glad you did. Hopping from winery to winery with a picnic overlooking scenic vineyard views is the perfect way to spend the beginning of your marriage. Be sure to take a quick trip down to the Bay Area while you’re there to catch all the picture-perfect sights in San Francisco!
Serengeti
If you and your partner are the adventurous types, a safari-themed honeymoon will suit your style. Places like the Serengeti offer sights like you’ve never seen including a wide variety of animals and habitats making it one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa. It’s also known for its large population of lions. Your chances of catching a glimpse of a pride in their natural habitat is high. December is a particularly great time to visit as well because it’s around this time when a million wildebeest start their Great Migration south through the Serengeti.
These suggestions provide a good guide for choosing your honeymoon destination, but there really are endless options. Just keep in mind that weather, price and seasonal discounts all play a factor in choosing your perfect destination. Get out there and do your research, brush up on your travel photography and photo editing skills and pack your bags — adventure awaits!
